Three new Darwin Discovery Visits for Down House

 Three new Darwin Discovery visits for Down House

Ground-breaking scientist, radical thinker and devoted family man – school children can discover more about the life of Charles Darwin, one of the most influential British people in history, in three new Darwin-themed Discovery Visits at Down House, the Darwin family home.

For the first time, school groups will be able to view rare objects and explore the house and garden that was the setting for his research that revolutionised scientific thinking.

Down House, the former home of Charles Darwin and family, recently reopened following extensive improvements by English Heritage – two hundred years after his birth and 150 years after the publication of On the Origin of Species. A new exhibition combining rare original objects with interactive displays enables visitors to explore Darwin’s home, life and work as they journey through the house and gardens where he lived while he wrote his ground-breaking book on evolution.

Darwin the Man unlocks the secrets of one of science’s most controversial theorists. A trained education interpreter, playing the role of Darwin himself, takes education visitors through his voyages, his discoveries and his life at Down House via role play, discussion and observation.

The Darwins: A Victorian Family thrusts visitors into Victorian family life through a combination of hands-on activities, games and discussion. Pupils explore Victorian pastimes, home life and family values and will investigate whether the Darwins were a typical Victorian family.

Darwin’s Garden is a journey through the great man’s ‘Outdoor Laboratory’. The gardens which inspired Darwin’s scientific research have been restored to their appearance during his time at Down House. School groups see for themselves the observations made by Darwin at Down House, investigating how the scientist came to his conclusions.

Tina Corri, Head of Education for English Heritage, said: “Darwin is undoubtedly one of the most influential, exciting and controversial figures in our history and this new series of Discovery Visits will allow school pupils to understand more about his work and family life.

“Discovery Visits bring historic properties to life in exciting, memorable ways, and the new Darwin-themed workshops are no exception. Every child should have the opportunity to delve into the past and get excited about the people and places that have shaped our thinking, and we look forward to inspiring more pupils to take an interest in history and heritage in the year of this landmark anniversary for Darwin.”

Developed by English Heritage Education in association with the Charles Darwin Trust. the Discovery Visits are available to school groups on weekdays by arrangement. Phone 0207 499 5676 ext 24 to book.